OSHA Investigating Cirque Death

Cirque du Soleil is under investigation by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration following the recent death of a performer during the closing sequence of its “Ka” show in Las Vegas.

Sarah Guyard-Guillot reportedly fell 50 feet to her death during a battle scene, in which performers suspended by wires rappel along a wall.

“The entire Cirque du Soleil family is deeply saddened by the accidental death of Sarah (Sassoon) Guyard, artist on the production ‘Ka,’ that happened on Saturday, June 29, in Las Vegas,” the company said in a statement following the incident. “We have been working with the appropriate authorities and have offered our full cooperation.

Performances of ‘Ka’ will be canceled until further notice.” A Cirque representative told the Las Vegas Review-Journal the scene will be temporarily removed from the show during the investigation.

“It is very likely that (the) Battle Scene will be removed during the OSHA investigation period,” which can last up to six months, Renee-Claude Menard said. She added it’s unlikely the show will resume before July 16.

Photo: facebook.com/KA

Guyard-Guillot’s death was the first onstage fatality in Cirque history.